Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill announced Monday that it is expanding into Arizona with the awarding of franchise development rights to GMG Arizona, LLC.

With the rights to develop 20 Garbanzo restaurants in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, GMG Arizona is planning to open its first location in the East Valley region of Phoenix, said Garbanzo.

GMG is also currently considering locations in Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe .

“An authority on owning and operating restaurants, GMG Arizona is eager to acquaint the Phoenix and Tucson communities with the Mediterranean flavors found only at Garbanzo,” said Bob Bafundo, Garbanzo vice president of the company and franchise operations.

Steve Morris, owner of GMG, said that between the warm weather culture of Arizona and Arizona residents’ interest in ethnic foods, Garbanzo should be popular.

Alon Mor, Garbanzo founder, said he feels “there is a huge audience in Arizona” for Garbanzo foods.

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